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Frelinghuysen visits Montville school

On his way to catch a train to Washington D.C., Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen made time for a detour to speak with students at Montville Twp. High School in Scott Riotto’s AP Government and Politics class

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Frelinghuysen visits Montville school

SUE MARINELLO, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY RECORD
Published 10:08 a.m. ET Oct. 19, 2015

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Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen asked Montville Township High School Class of 2016 President, Grace Hartnett, to pose for a photo following his visit with MTHS AP Government and Politics students. The Congressman encouraged all students to run for elected offices in their communities.(Photo: Photo courtesy of Sue Marinello)

MONTVILLE – Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen arrived at Montville Twp. High School early Tuesday, October 6, 2015. On his way to catch a train to Washington D.C., the Congressman made time for a detour, and spent more than an hour at MTHS speaking with 43 students from Scott Riotto’s AP Government and Politics classes.

“We are very fortunate to have Congressman Frelinghuysen with us this morning,” Riotto, a social studies teacher at MTHS, told the class. “He is here to answer your questions.”

A U.S. Representative to congress since 1995, Frelinghuysen explained that he serves New Jersey’s 11th congressional district.

“You are my constituents,” Frelinghuysen noted as he pointed to the room full of MTHS seniors.

One after another, for the next hour, students in Riotto’s popular AP course, asked thoughtful and well researched questions regarding a wide variety of topics including: foreign policy, trade, the Affordable Care Act, nuclear power, federal funding for New Jersey initiatives, President Obama, education, and the Congressman’s pick for the 2016 Republican nomination.

Frelinghuysen repeatedly stated, “That’s a great question,” as he candidly answered and explained his thoughts and positions regarding the various topics presented by the AP students.

Frelinghuysen stressed the need for more women in the field of physics, and for a strong emphasis on math and science from an early age.

“Today, in this world, math has to be in every part of the curriculum from an early age,” Frelinghuysen said. “And it has to be done in a way that inspires excitement.”

The congressman encouraged more women to get involved in math and science, and asked all students to be inclusive and respectful of one another.

“I am always respectful of other people and their beliefs,” he said. “I may not agree with them, but I am respectful. Guys, you need to be respectful too.”

The Congressman drove home his point by explaining that government is a group effort.

“There are 435 voting members of Congress,” Frelinghuysen said. “We are not all best friends, but it is a great group of people.”

Following Tuesday’s visit from Congressman Frelinghuysen, Superintendent Dr. René Rovtar said, “We all appreciate how busy the Congressman is, so having him elect to spend time with the MTHS students is greatly appreciated. I have witnessed him interacting with the students numerous times and it is wonderful to observe. The students can clearly see that he is human and very down to earth. He never shies away from sharing his thoughts on the tough political questions of the day. His candor and honestly are truly appreciated.”